E71 Part V: Not just for work anymore

In my previous posts about my E71 trial, I have almost solely talked about the professional and business aspects of this device. And while it handles those like a charm, it knows you need to get out and unwind. Well, your trusty E71 is there for you. Eseries phones with Feature Pack 2 introduce the concept of Modes.

In fact, the only problem with the E71 and having a good time might be its size. It is so small that a friend of mine literally went swimming with his for five minutes before he realized it was still in his pocket. Needless to say, his device did not live to tell about it.

Screenshot above is of my E71 in Business Mode. From left to right are the apps I might use during a workday: QuickOffice, ScanR, Sync, ActiveNotes, and File Manager. The final icon is to switch modes. Don't forget that the E71 has a number of hard buttons with links to contacts, messaging, and so on. The lower quick buttons of Maps and Web are the same for both modes, so I chose apps I would want to use no matter what mode I was in.
The E71 may act like it is all business, but it knows that you have to get out and socialize, too. To this end, the new Eseries devices have introduced the concept of Modes. Modes are similar to Profiles, but they take it one step further. With a quick click of a single button, you can transform the E71 from its daily office-professional workhorse stylings to your nighttime socializing workhorse. Think of it as going from elegant to sexy.

Ask yourself: Are you in a Work mode or a Play mode?

I have set my E71 up in such a way that the applications I might need during a workday are in the business mode, and the apps I want to use for myself are on the Personal mode. The two shortcut keys just under the screen do not change when you switch modes, so I have designated them Nokia Maps and Web; two programs I will use no matter what mode I am in. And do not forget about the quick buttons on the keyboard itself, providing instant access to calendar, contacts, and messaging. With so many shortcuts, I had to search for the last couple of apps to put there!

This gives me quick access to all the things I may want to do when out and about, and the second screenshot shows the Play mode, with different, spooky theme for Halloween: Jaiku, camera (there is no hard camera button on the E71), Music Player, Sports Tracker, and Mobbler. And when it is time to go back to work in the morning, switch modes back to business while you're brushing your teeth, and the screen will fill itself with new email notifications, quick access to scanr for fax and making digital copies of documents, and whatever else you may need for your workday.

Modes is a great concept, allowing you to change the primary role of that computer in your pocket with the touch of a button. This feature makes the Eseries devices the workhorse for your life, no matter what mode you are in. ...Read more